Learn About Glaucoma In Cleveland
Your eyesight is important. Having regular eye exams can not only ensure that you are seeing the best that you can, but they can help your eyes stay healthy. If you do have a problem, early detection can help you get the treatment you need before the problem gets worse.
During an eye exam, your doctor will often check for glaucoma in Cleveland. This is a condition that affects the optic nerve. Glaucoma can result in partial or total vision loss, so it is important that you have regular eye exams, especially if you have any risk factors for this disease.
Individuals who have a higher risk of developing glaucoma include those with a family history of the disease as well as those who are of African descent. Your risk factor increases as you get older, so it is especially important to be screened regularly as you age.
Glaucoma in Cleveland is the second leading cause of blindness among Americans. A regular, healthy eye contains a clear fluid known as aqueous humor. It exits the eye through the anterior chamber angle. When something slows or stops this movement of fluid, pressure can build in the eye. If the pressure gets high enough, damage to the optic nerve can occur. Since this nerve is responsible for transferring visual information to the brain, any damage it receives can affect the quality of your vision.
There are four main types of Glaucoma in Cleveland: open-angle (chronic), angle-closure (acute), congenital and secondary glaucoma. Individuals with open-angle or chronic glaucoma often have no symptoms as the pressure in their eyes slowly increases over time. This is a common form of glaucoma and tends to be hereditary. Often times the peripheral vision will slowly fade and can lead to complete blindness.
Angle-closure or acute glaucoma is when the aqueous humor inside the eye is suddenly blocked from exiting. Because of this, the symptoms can come on quite quickly with severe pain and decreased vision. The individual who is suffering from this disease may also experience nausea and vomiting and even see halos around lights. This type of glaucoma is an emergency and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Individuals with congenital glaucoma in Cleveland are born with it, although the symptoms might not be noticed until the baby is a little older. It is a hereditary condition caused by the eye developing abnormally. It can involve cloudiness, enlargement, redness and sensitivity to light.
Glaucoma Cleveland – Looking for ophthalmologic care for glaucoma, visit cleveland based Ripkin Vision & Laser Center. They offer specialized eye care & correction services.